Everybody in the family was so surprised when my eldest sister went home to the Philippines from Africa without their knowing. The fact was that only her, my younger sister and me knew about it. I just can’t imagine the happiness my mom felt today! Hah, make me wish I was there too, , ekk. So glad she made it safe. She could hold and carry our first niece now, the first grandchild in the family.

Mother-in-law has been telling me many times of her Branson vacations. She really enjoyed her vacations that she has wanted to go back there at Branson again. And I think her wish will come true on one of these days if everything works as planned. It is going to be a surprise for her. Everyone will be taking a vacation for a week in Branson, just when the weather cools off a bit, a perfect time for a getaway. And she will specially enjoy the home we will be staying in, with rocking chair or not, it will be heaven for her; not counting the shows and everything Branson has to offer.

I am so glad for having great friends. Most of them are a score older than me, but age does not matter, what is important is that we learn from each other, and can lean on one another. Sure there are the conflicts and aggravating moments, but they are always overshadowed by the loudest laughter on earth when we are all together, perhaps that is why we don’t look aged that much, lol. Friendship is about sharing and the welcome will not end. Some partnerships come and go, but real friendship will be forever. Today I am just moved of what my friend did. God bless her heart, and for she deserves loyalty and respect.

Today after watching The Expendables in the theater, I stopped by the Asian store to buy some stuff I could only find there . I had been there a few times but not often enough, still, the very nice Asian lady still recognized me, of course I recognize her too, and we chat for a while like we are best of friends. It actually felt good talking and conversing with another person intelligently, a woman, even a stranger. And I said, maybe I should hang out in her place often, for she is a kindred spirit.

Ah! I missed a minimum of four emails! Important ones. How remiss of me; an old address had been closed and I haven’t updated my info on the shopping website until today of course after I realized it, after the emails must have been sent. But at least I got one. I don’t think they matter that much but I just wanted to be able to keep them for my records you know.

Some say there is therapy in shopping, but as for me, I just felt good today even I could cringe if I would think of what it cost me, but for once in a while, we indeed need therapy, for goodness’ sakes, eh? For anyway they would last much longer than money ever could.

Today I had a nice chat with my youngest brother. Thanks so much for technology that allows us to get in touch with our families and loved ones who are in other parts of the world. I’m thankful my family is doing well in the Philippines. My youngest brother is adjusting to his new environment, living in a big city with my cousin and her family, so he will be ‘safe’ while studying or schooling there. He wants to be a pilot, always had wanted to be one since the time he knows what he wants to be when he grows up, he was so young and cute then and his mind never changed. We are so proud of him. We trust he will be fine and do well, but part of me is still ‘worried’ for him, (how much more my mom feels?!), after all, he is our baby brother. But I believe all these things will make him into a fine young man, matured and smart, as he is. He has just uploaded their pictures at school, with all the airplanes big and small, I really enjoyed it and happy for him to have his dream to be realized. We still have a long way though as it is costly and we all will help him, family as we are.

Earlier this week, I treat myself to a movie marathon. Heck, we just live once, we might as well enjoy every moment of it, and my feeling for the time was to watch some movies, alone or not. I really enjoyed them. Checking first the movie app on ipod, I decided to watch ‘The Last Airbender’ first. And indeed it was great to me, I really enjoyed it. The auditorium was full, I had to move to one last available seat to give way to a family of 3 boys so they can seat side by side. It was a great day being there. The movie is good, and it seems there will be another air bending in the future.

I flew to Chicago, Illinois last January to have my expiring Philippine passport renewed at the Consulate. The process did not take me long because I have prepared already the necessary documents, after all, it would not be wise and easy to fly back or roam around the city for one paper. I enjoyed, despite the bitter cold, walking around and seeing lots of things. It was one unforgettable trip. I was so slow though. It would be months later before I found out something happened or was done while I was in Chicago. But I hope in the Lord, and what He has prepared for me.